How do you deal with post comp weight gain?

[Kätzchen]

Phycologically speaking... I just competed in my first show (took 2nd ) & even though I haven't gained a ton of weight, I feel so fat. I know it's water & glycogen & I'm just remembering what it's like to be so hard & dry, but I'm still finding it tough to wrap my head around.
If it weren't for the constant PRs in the gym since my show, I'd be miserable! LOL.

 

[FLEXjs]

I didn't think you looked fat, silly kitty.

Embrace the PRs....you'll have no probs prepping for the next show.

 

[GiantSlayer]

It's merely a cocoon that the most amazing butterfly will emerge from next season.

 

[jhotsauce7]

I put on prob 10lb first week with almost no cheats till second weekend ... After that I ate clean 75% of the time and very clean mon -fri. My goals mayb b very different than yours as I need to add a considerable Amt of mass to make a higher weight class nxt year ... At first I was really down being up 25 lb even though I was constructive bulking ... This led me to have a few 5k cal cheat days lol and I def blew up a bit more. I basically hit my 8 -9 weeks out conditioning area and have been able to hold it here ... Pros are hughe insane strength increase cons are that I am far from shreaded an only have the outline of my abs now ... This is my first real off season after competing in a state level and qualified for nationals next year. Just try to find a level of conditioning that is not only conducive to your health and growth and development but is ALSO PRACTICAL to hang out at also this should be a weight or more importantly a body fat level that you will be comfortable heading into a prep from. This is strictly my experiment and next offseason I will follow a more rigid 4-5 week schematic of dieting back up to help ramp my metabolism back up but for now I am very happy with the moderate calorie surpluses with 1-2 big binge days per week for the first 4weeks and now entering a mini cut phase with weekend chest days to cut a little of the extra fat... I have broken deadlift and squat PR's and gotten my bench back close to where it previously was after a big 20 weeker this past spring

 

[tightglutes]

use the extra weight and kill it in the gym. That is what i did. My PRs went sky high. I really did not care what everyone thought because i was so strong. Live life have fun and its the winter so not to worry lots of time be4 summer again. Tip use the scale once a week and give yourself 10lbs to play with. If you go over that weight then you know to start cleaning it up some.

 

[jhotsauce7]

If you get those post comp blues just remember its gotta be GROW TIME BEFORE ITS SHOWTIME!

 

[Kätzchen]

I didn't think you looked fat, silly kitty.

Embrace the PRs....you'll have no probs prepping for the next show.

Aww thanks But I'm a good chunk heavier since I saw you, lol.

 

[Kätzchen]

So I know part of it is hgh bloaat as I dropped that 2 weeks before my comp & I always bloat like crazy when I start it up, but the combination of that & everthing is uncomfortable. It's been 2.5 weeks & I'm up 10lbs. I still am very vascular though, but I feel it in my fingers & mid section.

If you get those post comp blues just remember its gotta be GROW TIME BEFORE ITS SHOWTIME!

This is what's keeping me going! 7 mo till Provincials...

 

[Jenner]

I have no experience with this so I can only imagine being female makes it even worse Like others have said, just use it to your advantage lady..you know what to do and it's only temporary.

 

[Jenner]

btw, congrats! That's awesome!

 

[FLEXjs]

Aww thanks But I'm a good chunk heavier since I saw you, lol.

I will require pics to confirm.

 

[1bigun11]

I actually prefer the bulky, big as a tank, get the f- out of my way feeling of the off season. Psychologically I think the weight gain and bloat would be much harder to deal with for a woman though.

My personal recommendation is to say the hell with it, and go eat some pancakes! lol